Power rock, reggae beat and acoustical magic
The Oakland-based Saviours, who appear at O’Connell’s on Friday, May 13, certainly have the chops to play their bombastic brand of rock. However, what sets them apart is singer and guitarist Austin Barber, who eschews the usual scream-until-you’re-hoarse, Cookie Monster rock sound for a vocal style that’s closer to the classic NWOBHM sound. Fans of maximum guitar riffage, from Motorhead to Diamond Head, won’t want to miss a second of Saviours set. Saviours: 8 p.m. on Friday, May 13 at O’Connell’s, 1310 Morena Blvd. 21 and up. $15 in advance. www.myspace.com/saviours666 One of San Diego’s most respected reggae bands, Tribe of Judah, which appears at PB Bar & Grill on May 15, is a master at island sounds, heavy on the rhythmic aspect. Indeed, some songs lean closer to energetic ska, but where the band really shines is with its dub arrangements, taking its own material and distilling it into bass-driven, beat-heavy music. Reggae is one of the most popular sounds in San Diego and the long-runningTribe of Judah is one of the reasons why. Tribe of Judah: 4 p.m. on Sunday, May 15 at PB Bar & Grill, 860 Garnet Ave. 21 and up. No cover; www.myspace.com/tribeofjudahreggaeband Fans of Riverside-based alternative rock band Alien Ant Farm won’t want to miss Send the Sages, which appears on May 20 at the 710 Beach Club. A side project of that band’s frontman Dryden Mitchell, the group doesn’t quite climb the same heights as Mitchell’s main band, but anyone who likes modern-edged, radio-friendly rock tunes will find much to enjoy on this night. Send the Sages: 9 p.m. on Friday, May 20, at the 710 Beach Club, 710 Garnet Ave. 21 and up. Cover TBD. www.sendthesages.com The band’s name may harken back to the days of early rock ’n’ roll, but Oceanside quartet Ricky Small and the Talls is a modern acoustic combo with a sound not unlike Jason Mraz or Dave Matthews. Appearing at Hennessey’s on May 21, the band’s frontman, Small, has a knack for writing songs that mix touches of soul, folk and even a bit of reggae to good effect. As good as Small’s tunes are, key to the band’s tunes just may be the brother team of Tonga (Bass) and Keli (drums) Ross-Ma’u, benefitting from the magic that happens when siblings make music together. Ricky Small and the Talls: 9 p.m. on Saturday May 21 at Hennessey’s, 4605 Mission Blvd. 21 and up. No cover; www.reverbnation.com/ricky smallthetalls There are plenty of cover bands in the area to tempt music fans, but no one can touch Detroit Underground when it comes to soul and R&B. Led by dynamic singer Stellita Lindgren, the nine-piece band, which performs at Tio Leo’s on May 21, is all about rhythm and beat with a set list that includes the best of Earth, Wind & Fire, The Ohio Players and The Temptations. Guests at Tio Leo’s concerts are welcome to just listen, but this is a band that truly makes a person want to hit the dance floor. Detroit Underground: 9 pm. on Saturday, May 21 at Tio Leo’s, 5302 Napa St. 21 and up. Cover TBD. www.thedetroitunderground.com